Read: 1 John 1:3-4 Listen: 1 John 1

But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1

John writes to encourage believers not to sin. He then immediately offers reassurance for when they do fall short. He introduces Jesus as their advocate —a word meaning "one who comes alongside to help." The closest parallel might be a defense attorney arguing in court. It’s as though Jesus stands before the Father, defending believers when they sin. John explains Jesus can defend them because he is the atoning sacrifice for sin (1 John 2:2).  The word "atoning" describes how Jesus absorbed God's judgment on sin when he died on the cross. Jesus paid the penalty that sin demanded. Because of his sacrificial death, Jesus can advocate for believers by declaring to the Father, "I paid for that sin."

It can be easy to think of Jesus as an advocate for Christians in general. But sometimes, it’s harder to see him as our personal advocate and atoning sacrifice. But Jesus's atoning sacrifice and his role as advocate assure our salvation. We cannot lose the salvation Jesus won for us through his death and resurrection. We cannot out-sin God's grace. Even our battles, struggles and fights against sin serve as evidence of authentic faith rather than reasons to doubt our salvation.

TODAY: If you've never put your faith and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, do so today. Simply tell Jesus you know you’re a sinner and that you believe he died and rose again to pay for your sin. If you have believed, give thanks to God by joining Ada Bible Worship as they sing "Finished Work of Christ." Praise God that there’s "Nothing left for me to do, it is finished, it is finished, I'm completely forgiven."